SOME of the greatest British music talent is on the UK live circuit and versatile singer Abira Shah firmly falls into that category.
The daughter of acclaimed singer Sittara Shah has carried on her mother’s legacy with superb songs and great live performances. She headlines the Retro Future show with Zaheer Abbas Khan, Anj Chauhan, Shahid Abbas Khan and Kaykay Chauhan at Harrow Arts Centre on September 9, to help raise funds for Dementia UK.
The musically rich concert features classic Bollywood songs presented in a contemporary way.
Eastern Eye caught up with the top talent to discuss the show, music, her biggest inspiration and the secret of a great live performance.
How much does performing live mean to you?
Performing live means everything to me as I’ve always looked at performing and singing as my passion and first love.
What has been your most memorable moment on stage?
There’s been many, but a particular one I remember is when I got to perform for the queen of Morocco. She heard my voice and asked the organisers, ‘who’s singing, please bring her to me’. So yes, I would definitely remember that as one of the memorable moments on stage.
Tell us about the Retro Future show?
The Retro Future show is as close to our signature line as we can say. We are singing songs by legends such as Lata Mangeshkarji, Mohammed Rafi saab and Asha Bhosleji in 2023. So, retro portrays our speciality as well as our capabilities of being able to perform these legends in our own style, but with respect and without any massive changes. We still try to keep the sweetness and a touch of real artists in their music.
The show has a strong 1980s flavour. Which song from that decade do you love the most?
I grew up listening to Lataji the most. Some of my favourites of her from the 1980s are Dekha Ek Khwab, Sun Sahiba Sun and Ek Radha Ek Meera.
What is it like being on a bill with other singers?
I am blessed to have performed with many artists and it’s always a beautiful feeling to be able to share the same stage with so much talent. And of course, there’s always something to learn from every artist. I’m lucky to have some really close friends who I perform on stage with as well. Once we are on stage together then it’s not work/ job for us, but just us having fun.
Which genre do you prefer as a versatile singer?
Without thinking I would always choose old classics, as I have been raised and grew up listening to them, whether it is semi-classical or sad/romantic numbers. I will pick that over any genre any time.
What inspires you as an artist?
My mother Sittara Shah will always be my biggest inspiration and support when it comes to music. My mother is an official ‘Ganda-bandh Shagird’ (musical disciple) of Madam Noor Jehan. I have seen my mother shining on stage since I opened my eyes. So, I’m blessed to have a mother who I could learn from and get inspired by.
What do you think is the secret of a great live performance?
The secret is always to make sure your audience feels comfortable – they’re as nervous/scared as you are before a performance starts. Once you have made a connection with the audience, your show is a hit and you’re good to go.
Who is your own music hero?
Definitely my mother Sittara Shah, not just because of her voice or singing but also because of her struggles and hardships. We all know our field of work could be a little brutal sometimes and that is what I have seen my mum face from the time she set foot in this industry. We are lucky to have a voice in these times because back then you could not speak a lot about the unfairness of showbusiness.
Why should we come to the Retro Future show?
I think you should definitely come to the Retro Future show because you don’t want to miss out on the variety and different flavours we have to offer. It’s not just one, but various artists with different abilities and vocal tones. There’s something for everyone.
Why do you love music?
Ah, that question. I can write a whole book on this, but I’ll keep it short and sweet. I’ve seen and experienced music healing me in many situations in life. People always told me they feel peaceful and relaxed after listening to my voice or my music. That, I think, is the biggest reason for me to love music. It is just a healer. Retro Future show at Elliot Hall, Harrow Arts Centre, 171 Uxbridge Road, Pinner HA5 4EA on Saturday, September 9.
www.harrowarts.com
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.